Every day, Coloradans strengthen our communities, create opportunities, and inspire progress. To honor these extraordinary contributions, CiviCO, in partnership with past and present Colorado governors, proudly presents the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals. Since their establishment in 2015, these medals have recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership and service drive meaningful and lasting impact across our state.
The Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals represent the pinnacle of leadership and service in our state. Each year, nominating partners identify outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses whose contributions shape their communities and drive Colorado forward. The Governor personally selects the final recipients, honoring those who exemplify excellence, dedication, and vision. Inspired by the Presidential Medal of Freedom, these awards celebrate leaders from diverse sectors whose enduring efforts strengthen the vitality and progress of Colorado.
We celebrated these annual awards with Governor Polis on January 23rd. Check out the winners below and explore their inspiring stories at the exhibit at History Colorado.
Medal Categories
GROWTH & INNOVATION MEDAL Recognizes leaders who drive significant advancements in their industries, fostering innovation and growth that benefit Colorado’s economy and future. Honoree nominated in partnership with Endeavor Colorado.
EMERGING COMMUNITY LEADER MEDAL Honors young individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, civic engagement, and dedication to improving their communities. Honoree nominated in partnership with The Boettcher Foundation.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP MEDAL Celebrates businesses that exemplify corporate responsibility through philanthropy, volunteerism, and community-focused initiatives. Honoree nominated in partnership with Mile High United Way.
PUBLIC & COMMUNITY SERVICE MEDAL Acknowledges individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public service and community well-being, addressing critical social and civic issues. Honoree nominated in partnership with University of Colorado Denver: School of Public Affairs.
VANGUARD LEGACY MEDAL Recognizes individuals with a lifetime of achievement whose visionary leadership has made a lasting impact on Colorado’s communities, culture, and legacy. Honoree nominated in partnership with History Colorado Center.
Honorees
GROWTH & INNOVATION MEDAL Honoree: DR. VINAY NAIR – Fintech Innovator & Entrepreneurial Leader
Dr. Vinay Nair has revolutionized the fintech landscape through his leadership as the founder of TIFIN, a platform that merges technology and finance to deliver personalized financial solutions. With a background that includes a PhD in finance and economics from New York University and experience as a finance professor at The Wharton School, Nair combines academic rigor with practical industry insights. Under his guidance, TIFIN has pioneered innovative approaches to wealth management, utilizing AI and machine learning to transform how individuals interact with financial services.
Nair’s commitment to inclusive innovation extends beyond his business ventures, as he mentors and advocates for diversity in the fintech industry. His dedication to fostering creativity and growth has not only positioned TIFIN as a leader in its field but also influenced the broader financial landscape in Colorado and beyond. Nair’s vision exemplifies how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change and create new possibilities in the financial sector.
EMERGING COMMUNITY LEADER MEDAL Honoree: RAYAN ELHANAN – Aspiring Medical Professional & Community Advocate
Rayan Elhanan is an inspirational leader and recent graduate of DSST Montview, entering her first year at Stanford University. With a vision to contribute to the reconstruction of Sudan’s healthcare system and enhance diversity in American medicine, Rayan has been a trailblazer in her community. Selected for the Medical Career Collaborative (MC²) during her sophomore year, Rayan was the only Black and Muslim student in her department. This experience motivated her to found the Healing Hands Collective at her school. This initiative hosted bi-weekly meetings and organized field trips, creating a supportive space for students interested in healthcare.
Rayan’s leadership has been recognized with prestigious awards from organizations such as the Daniels Fund, Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA), Access Opportunity, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. Her nominator praises her courage and impact: “Many students have experiences similar to Rayan where they feel unworthy or unrepresented in the spaces they enter. However, few students find the courage to do something about it.
Rayan is an incredible leader at school and in her various communities and does so in a way that inspires and unites those around her. ”Rayan’s dedication to inclusivity and representation in medicine showcases her as a leader who turns vision into action, embodying the power of youth leadership and the importance of equity across all fields.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP MEDAL Honoree: UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE (ULA) – Innovators & Community Builders in Aerospace
Under the leadership of President and CEO Tory Bruno, United Launch Alliance (ULA) advances aerospace technology while investing in community engagement and education. Headquartered in Denver, ULA’s mission is to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world, with a vision to harness space for humanity’s benefit.
Through initiatives like their annual Celebration of Giving, ULA employees volunteer in STEM-focused activities, inspiring young minds through hands-on projects like model rockets and space exploration demonstrations. AEROSPACEULA donates over $100,000 annually to Mile High United Way and supports local organizations with school supply drives and holiday meal collections; ULA fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace through efforts like The Space Workforce 2030 pledge, increasing representation of women and underrepresented groups in aerospace; Employee resource groups promote inclusion for LGBTQ+, African-American, female, and veteran employees, earning ULA the 2023 Equality 100 Award.
By combining visionary leadership with community focus, ULA advances technology while investing in the next generation, making a lasting impact on Colorado and beyond.
PUBLIC & COMMUNITY SERVICE MEDAL Honoree: KATY ANTHES – Former Colorado Commissioner of Education
Dr. Katy Anthes served as Colorado’s Commissioner of Education from 2016 to 2023, where she led the state’s K-12 system through significant reforms and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for her inclusive leadership, Anthes navigated the complexities of a politically diverse state board, positioning the Colorado Department of Education as a supportive partner to school districts. Her efforts during the pandemic ensured stability and continued access to education across the state.
After stepping down, Anthes chose to focus on bridging partisan divides in education, working with the Public Education and Business Coalition to train school board officials in constructive collaboration. Her dedication to fostering dialogue and consensus has made a lasting impact on Colorado’s educational landscape, exemplifying how leadership and a commitment to unity can drive meaningful change in public education.
VANGUARD LEGACY MEDAL Honoree: ED DWIGHT – Sculptor, Historian, Pioneer, & Astronaut
Ed Dwight is a trailblazer in art and aerospace who has left a lasting mark on Colorado and beyond. Invited by President Kennedy in 1961 to become the first Black astronaut, Dwight narrowly missed selection but later found his calling as a sculptor, creating powerful works that celebrate Black history, including the Martin Luther King Jr. monument in Denver’s City Park. In 2024, at the age of 90, he finally achieved his astronaut dream by going to orbit with Blue Origin.
Dwight’s work in sculpture and space exploration reflects his lifelong commitment to breaking barriers and inspiring others. As an artist, he has created a legacy of public art that honors civil rights and historical figures, making significant contributions to the cultural landscape. His recent spaceflight adds a remarkable chapter to his story, embodying perseverance and the pursuit of dreams at any age. Ed Dwight’s journey from pioneering space efforts to becoming a celebrated sculptor illustrates the impact of determination and vision.
Through his art and advocacy, Dwight continues to inspire future generations to reach for the stars and contribute to a more inclusive and reflective society. His inspiration will be able to stretch to even more people as Morgan Freeman is set to play Ed in a biopic! Exciting news for a truly deserving Coloradan and champion of civil rights and culture.
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